Two Free Beauty Boosts For Glowing Skin

Over the last ten years I have heard the skincare stories of at least a thousand women. And with each one there seems to be two each, no cost things that are basic foundations to healthy skin and yet are the most overlooked skin boosters. 

In this 7 Day Glow Podcast episode we are getting to the bottom of how much water and exercise is needed to make a visible impact on your Glow.

It’s one of the basic elements of life and yet one of the most overlooked. Water.

Your skin contains 64% water so making sure you are getting enough water is essential to a vibrant glow.  Water aids in digestion, circulation, and even helps rid the body and skin of toxins.

Studies show that water can have a significant impact on skin health. A 2007 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found drinking 2.25 liters or 9.5 cups of water every day for four weeks improved skin density and thickness. 

And a second study by the University of Missouri-Columbia showed that drinking just about two cups of water increased blood flow to the skin, leaving skin with a more even tone.

Getting enough water helps skin detox, which translates to less lines and blemishes.

And by ensuring you get enough water, you help your skin naturally balance the oil and water content in your skin. A healthy balance helps prevent excess oil production, resulting in less clogged pores and acne. 

Adequate water improves skin elasticity by keeping skin moisturized longer. Increased skin elasticity delays sagging skin and premature lines and wrinkles.

If you suffer from puffy skin, increase your water intake. Puffy skin happens when the body retains water to prevent dehydration. Staying consistently hydrated will help reduce puffiness due to water retention.

Lastly, getting enough water greatly assists your gut health and digestion. It flushes toxins through your system and supports a balanced digestive system. A healthy gut can equate to a luminous complexion.

Strive to take in at least eight glasses of water throughout the day to keep skin hydrated. Because we are all different, a better rule of thumb might be a simple calculation of drinking half your body weight in ounces of water. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds - aim to drink 100 ounces of water.

From flushing out toxins to hydrating cells, drinking enough water is key to glowing skin. If drinking glass after glass of plain water is just more than you like, consider adding some natural flavors to your water. Peppermint, Basil, Sliced Ginger Root, Cucumber, and Lemon all add skin loving nutrients.

Water can resolve a wide range of skin conditions if it is drunk daily and in enough quantity. Make drinking water a regular part of your daily routine and your skin will thank you for your efforts.

The next free and easy glow boosting activity to add to your life on a regular basis is exercise. 

By getting your heart rate up and improving circulation, regular exercise helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin that help keep skin healthy, promote collagen production, and promotes new cell formation. Aim to work out four to five times per week for a total of about 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity. You can reduce that by half if you prefer a high intensity workout. Spread these minutes out over the course of the week, for example 5 thirty minute moderate intensity workouts, to make it easier.

Sweating while you exercise can help clear your pores. The important key to getting the most from sweating while working out is to make sure your skin is clean and free of make-up and body products, like lotion, before exercising. 

I know that some of you cannot imagine going to the gym or out of the house without make-up, even for exercise. But sweating while wearing makeup can cause clogged pores and worsen acne. Be sure to cleanse thoroughly before working out and skip the make-up. 

If you love outdoor activities for your exercise be sure to remember to apply sunscreen prior to going out. Choose an spf of at least 30, and I prefer water resistant sunscreen so it stays in place while I’m sweating. Wear a hat with a brim if possible.

If you have Rosacea, exercise may be a trigger. Rosacea tends to worsen with increased blood flow to the skin, leading to increased redness. Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program if you have health issues, specific skin conditions, or are pregnant.

Lastly, when sweat is allowed to sit on the skin for too long, it can cause bacteria and result in clogged pores. This can cause breakouts for someone who is prone to acne. So remember to rinse off that sweat and change into fresh clothing as soon as your workout is finished. 

Thank you so much for joining me on this Podcast. I hope I gave you some things to think about in this episode.

By taking full advantage of the powerful impact water and exercise have on your skin, you can achieve a gorgeous, luminous Glow without spending a dime. Pair adequate hydration and regular sweat inducing exercise with a few quality skincare products and you will have the most beautiful glow of a lifetime.

We will be taking the next two weeks off here at the Podcast and will talk to you again in 2021!

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I'm Alyssa Van Doorn.

I am the natural skincare formulator, biologist, certified clinical aromatherapist, and obsessed self-care advocate who founded 7 Day Glow's holistic, simple skincare approach. I'm on a mission to empower women with the tools they need to find and maintain their Glow simply and with confidence.

Notice: These statements and blog content have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in our articles and podcasts are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and are not intended as medical advice. The content of these blogs, podcasts and associated products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using products or following blog/podcast advice.